Recently in the healthcare industry, Ontario has introduced significant financial incentives, offering $25,000 or more to nurses who commit to working in long-term care for two years, strengthening staffing stability across the sector. A long-term care home in Ottawa is also fostering deeper connection through a program that pairs veteran residents with volunteers who share similar military backgrounds. The province has launched a high-intensity home care initiative that provides up to $700 per day for agencies to deliver hospital-level services at home, aiming to reduce hospital overcrowding before winter. Hamilton is expanding its long-term care capacity with a new wing at Macassa Lodge that will add 64 modern beds and enhance access to specialized supports. Ontario is further investing more than $180 million to attract and develop nearly 8,000 nurses in long-term care, reinforcing its long-term strategy to build a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Ontario Unveils Major Funding Push to Strengthen Long-Term Care Nursing
Ontario has introduced significant financial incentives, offering $25,000 or more to nurses who commit to working in long-term care for two years. The program also includes additional funding for rural placements, relocation support, student roles and expanded mentorship opportunities to strengthen the pipeline. These investments reflect the province’s push to improve staffing stability, meet direct care targets and ensure long-term care homes can provide the quality of care seniors deserve.
Source: Global News
Veterans Helping Veterans Strengthens Community in Long-Term Care
A long-term care home in Ottawa is fostering connection through a unique program that pairs veteran residents with volunteers who also served. The initiative builds trust, shared understanding and meaningful relationships by matching individuals with similar military experiences. As volunteers support residents in daily activities, appointments and social programs, the approach reinforces dignity, belonging and the enduring spirit of service within the veteran community.
Source: CTV News
Ontario Introduces High-Intensity Home Care to Ease Hospital Overcrowding
Ontario has launched a high-intensity home care program that provides up to $700 per day for agencies to deliver hospital-level services directly in patients’ homes. The initiative aims to move hundreds of high-needs seniors and ALC patients out of hospitals before winter, but experts warn that staffing shortages and rapid timelines may limit its success. While the funding reflects the urgency of the province’s overcrowding crisis, many clinicians see it as a temporary measure that highlights deeper gaps in long-term care capacity and home care investment.
Source: CTV News
Hamilton Expands Long-Term Care Capacity With 64 New Modern Beds
Hamilton has begun construction on a new wing at Macassa Lodge that will add 64 modern long-term care beds, supporting the province’s commitment to expand capacity across Ontario. The upgraded spaces are designed to offer a more home-like environment, including dedicated dining areas, activity rooms, therapy spaces and specialized dementia care. This project contributes to Ontario’s broader plan to build thousands of new and redeveloped beds, ensuring seniors have access to safe, modern and compassionate long-term care close to home.
Source: Ontario Newsroom
Ontario Invests $180 Million to Strengthen Nursing Workforce in Long-Term Care
Ontario is investing over $180 million in new programs designed to attract and retain nearly 8,000 nurses in long-term care, marking one of the province’s largest workforce initiatives to date. The plan includes expanded mentorship opportunities, financial incentives of up to $45,000 for nurses who commit to long-term care, and new externship placements for nursing students. These measures reinforce the province’s long-term strategy to build a stable, skilled workforce that can deliver consistent, high-quality care across long-term care homes.
Source: Ontario Newsroom
Is your current staffing strategy keeping up with your facility’s needs? As we move through another busy season in healthcare, it’s essential to ensure your team has dependable support and consistent coverage. Priority Healthcare’s specialists are available to help assess your staffing requirements and recommend a customized approach.
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